Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone

Sharjah Media City, commonly known as Shams Free Zone, is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE. Although it is located in Sharjah, it provides a highly flexible business environment suitable for media, creative industries, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from various sectors.

Key Features of Shams Free Zone

1. Diverse Business Activities:

   • While it focuses on media and creative industries, Shams also allows various activities such as trading, e-commerce, IT, and consultancy.

2. Affordable Business Setup:

   • Shams is known for its low-cost business setup packages, making it ideal for startups, freelancers, and SMEs.

3. No Physical Office Requirement:

   • Businesses can operate virtually without renting physical office space.

4. Full Foreign Ownership:

   • 100% ownership for foreign investors, with no need for a local partner.

5. Fast Licensing Process:

   • Business licenses are issued within 1 to 2 working days.

6. Wide Range of Visa Options:

   • Offers visa packages, including options for up to 6 visas under a single license.

7. Tax-Free Operations:

   • 0% corporate and personal income tax.

8. Easy Access:

   • Convenient location near major UAE hubs, including Dubai and Sharjah International Airports.

Business Activities Allowed in Shams Free Zone

Shams Free Zone supports over 120 business activities, including:

1. Media and Creative: Advertising, film production, graphic design, digital content creation, photography.
2. E-Commerce: Online stores, dropshipping, marketplaces.
3. Consulting: Business consultancy, management advisory, IT consultancy.
4. Technology: Web and software development, AI and machine learning solutions.
5. Trading: Import/export, general trading, wholesale/retail businesses.
6. Freelance Work: For professionals like writers, designers, and photographers.

Licenses Offered by Shams Free Zone

1. Media License:

   • For businesses in advertising, media production, marketing, and entertainment.

2. E-Commerce License:

   • Ideal for online stores and digital marketplaces.

3. Service License:

   • For consultancy, IT services, and professional services.

4. Trading License:

   • For companies involved in trading goods, import/export, or general trading.

5. Holding License:

   • For companies managing assets, shares, and investments.

Process to Set Up a Business in Shams Free Zone

1. Choose Business Activity:

   • Select your preferred business activity or activities.

2. Select License Type:

   • Determine which license suits your business.

3. Submit Required Documents:

   • Provide personal and business documents (listed below).

4. Make Payment:

   • Pay the required fees for registration, licensing, and visas (if applicable).

5. Receive Your License:

   • Licenses are typically issued within 1-2 business days.

6. Apply for Visas (Optional):

   • Begin the UAE residency visa process for owners and employees.

Documents Required for Shams Free Zone Business Setup

1. Passport copy of shareholder(s).
2. Passport-size photo (digital format).
3. Proof of address (e.g., utility bill).
4. Completed application form.
5. UAE visa or entry stamp (if applicable).
6. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a current employer (if required).

Facilities at Shams Free Zone

1. Virtual Office Solutions:

   • Affordable options for startups and freelancers.

2. Shared Workspaces:

   • Co-working spaces with modern facilities.

3. Dedicated Offices:

   • Fully serviced office spaces for SMEs and large businesses.

4. Meeting Rooms:

   • High-tech conference and meeting facilities.

Advantages of Setting Up in Shams Free Zone

1. Cost-Effective:

   • Business packages start from AED 5,750/year, one of the lowest in the UAE.

2. Fast and Simple Process:

   • Hassle-free company formation with minimal paperwork.

3. Visa Options:

   • Flexibility to issue multiple visas, including family and employee visas.

4. No Local Sponsor Required:

   • Full ownership for foreign entrepreneurs.

5. No Mandatory Capital:

   • No minimum capital requirement to start your business.

6. Industry-Specific Focus:

   • Specialized services for media, digital, and creative industries.

7. Proximity to Key Markets:

   • Easy access to Dubai, Sharjah, and the rest of the UAE.

Cost of Setting Up a Business in Shams Free Zone

• Basic Packages: Start from AED 5,750/year.
• License with 1 Visa: Approximately AED 11,500/year.
• License with Multiple Visas: Costs increase based on the number of visas required.

Why Choose Shams Free Zone?

1. Perfect for Startups and Freelancers:

   • Affordable setup costs and flexible office solutions.

2. Media and Digital Focus:

   • Tailored for creative professionals, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and consultants.

3. Quick Setup Process:

   • Licenses issued in as little as 24 hours.

4. Ease of Doing Business:

   • Transparent procedures and supportive customer service.

Shams Free Zone offers an ideal platform for businesses looking for affordability, flexibility, and industry-focused benefits. Whether you’re a media professional, an e-commerce startup, or a consultant, Shams provides the resources to grow and succeed in the UAE market.